Photoglazing method and apparatus



Patented Apr. 5, 1927 UNITED STATES 1,623,202 PATENT OFFICE.

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r'Ko'rooLAznm nn'rizo'n AND Arrnaa'rus.

Application filed December 5, 1928. Serial No. 678,697.

'lnis invention relates to a methodfand apparatus for glazing photographic or similar prints. In previous methods of--glazing prints it has been common to use ferro-typ- 5 ing apparatus usually comprising a smooth or polished plate oflironcovered with a thin coat of japan enamel, together with squeegecingapparatus. The plate was carefully washed and then coated with a thin film of 10. some glazing or ferro-typing liquid, among which the following wereused, namely, parafiin wax dissolved in benz ine, certain, commercial automobile polishes and a, solution of castile soap. The wet photo raphic print was then laid face down on t e plate and pressed tightly thereon with a heavy pressure by a squeegee roller or machine. The print was then allowed; to dry. In some cases, the print would come off the plate readily when dried, butdn most cases it was necessary. to peel the print off with a flatedged instrument. Recently, it has been the occasional practice to heat the plate to hasten .the drying of the print.

It is an objectof this invention to provide a method of glazing prints which may be performed with an apparatus comprising a revoluble member preferably of cylindrical form which is coated with a certain lubri-' cant or glazing solution, against which revoluble member the print, which is also coated.

with saidsolution, is held and'progressed by a comparatively soft apron, preferably of absorbent fabric material. as It is a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus comprising a revoluble member, together with means for continuously coating the same with the glazing solution and an endless fabric apron H which contacts and moves with the cylinder for a. considerable portion of its periphery and which holds the print against the cylinder with the emulsion side of the print in contact with the cylinder, means being provided for heating the cylinder. 4

It is a further ob 'ect of the invention to provide such a revoluble member or cylinder having a polished surface and which cylinder, preferably, comprises a copper base coated with nickel. j

Itis still another object of the invention to provide means for progressively brin mg the print into contact with the smoot or polished surface of said revoluble member, which means preferably comprises a roller in contact with the. apron which travels against the eylinder, which roller presses the apron against the cylinder.

It i also an object of the invention to provide means adjacent said above mentioned roller for preventing contact of the print with the revoluble memberv or cylinder until the same has passed beneath said roller.

It is still a further object of the invention to provide such an apparatus comprising a continuously moving revoluble cylinder and endless apron moving thereagainst together with .the means for lubricating the surface of said cylinder, which means, preferably, comprises a sheet of absorbent material of sufficient extent and sufliciently weight-edto effectively coat said surface of the cylinder.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention will be fully set forth in the following description made in connection with the accompanying drawings in which lke reference characters refer to the same parts throughout the different views, and in which Fig. 1 is a View in end elevation of the apparatus, a small portion being broken away and showing a vertical section; and

Fig. 2 is a plan view of the apparatus, certain parts being broken away.

Referring to the drawings, the device com- 85 prises a frame having end portions composed of vertical members 1 and 2 connected b v the horizontal top member 3, the intermediate horizontal member 4: and the lower horizontal member 5. A rail, preferably formed 9 of. a rod or tubing 6 is secured to the to of the cross member 3 and projects vertica ly therefrom in substantially rectangular form. It will be understood that there are two end frames and the same are connected by suitable longitudinally extending headed and nutted bolts 7 which pass through the members of the end frame and also, in practice, pass through the pipe sections extending between and abutting the inside of the end frame members. Secured beneath the members 3 substantially midway between the vertical members-1 and 2, are bearings 8 secured in place by suitable headed and nutted bolts and said bearings have journaled therein an axle member 9 carrying a spider bracket 10 adjacent each end which is attached by suitable bolts or rivets to a revoluble member 11,-which, in theembodiment of the invention illustrated, is shown as .a c linder. While the axle. member 9 could emade of various forms, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the same is shown as being made hollow and as being closed at one end 'andprovided inside of the member 11 witha plurality of holes 9" so that the said member 9 constitutes a gas conduit and burner adapted to heat the member 11 and the surface thereof. The member 11, preferably, is of copper or provided with a copper base and the peripheral surface thereof is coated with nickel and polished. The member 11 is formed with solid end walls which, however, are pierced by a plurality of holes 11 adapted tofurnish air to the as burner and form a convenient means or lighting the same. The bearings 8 may, if desired, carry ball bearmg housings or other anti-fraction bearings which, will form the bearings for the member 9. 'A member 12 is provided which comprises a sheet: of comparatively soft and absorbent materlal such as fabric and this sheet is adapted to travel in contact with the pe- 3 ripheral surface of the member 11 for a considerable portion of said surface. While various materials may be used for the member 12, in practice. it has been found that the commercial product known as diaper cloth forms a good eflicient material. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated the.

member 12 is shown as an endless belt or apron supported upon various revoluble rollers. Two of these rollers are shown as 13 and 14 carried on shafts journaled in the front projecting portion of member 3. From the roller 14 the member 12 passes downwardly toward the surface of member 11 and runs over a roller 15 carried on a shaft' ournaled in a pair of arms 16, which arms are pivoted adjacent their lower ends in shafts or bolts 17 extending through the vertical member 1.- The roller 15 normally is held in position against the apron 12 and the surface of member 11. From the roller 15, the member 12 extends around the surface of member 11 in close contact therewith to a point adjacent a roller 18 carried on a shaft Journaled in the vertical members '2 adjacent the top thereof. Theomember 12 then passes outside of roller 18 and downwardly to and around rollers .19 carried on spaced shafts journaled in the the roller 19 the belt 12 passes upwardly and forwardly to the roller 13. A tightenb mg roller 20 is adapted to contact the inside of the apron 12 beneath the projecting portion of member 3, which roller is carried on a shaft journaled in a pair of arms 21, projecting forwardly from the outer side of the vertical members 1 and supported on the pivot which ..upports the arms 16. The apron 12 is driven by the roller 18. and said roller is turned by a pulley 22 secured to its shaft and which is driven by a belt 23 passmembers 5. From ing over the driving pulley 24 of a suitable motor 25 illustrated as supported on the member 5. A bar 26 shown as a flat slat, extends between the members 3 adjacent the surface of member 11 and slightly above the roller 15.

In the print-glazing process using the present apparatus, the surface of member 11 is moistened or coated with a suitable glazing or ferro-typing solution and means are provided for applying this solution to the surface of member 11. While various forms of such means could be used, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the same is shown a comprising a piece or pad of absorbent fabric material 27. lVhile various materials might be used, in practice it has been found that a good grade of flannel flap 27 is secured at its upper end to a rod 28 supported at its ends in arms 29 at each end of the cylinder 11, which arms are ivoted by suitable pivot bolts in the memtie'rs The arms 29 are connected by tension springs 30 to the upper ends of arms 16 so that when the member 27 is in position shown in Fig. 1, said springs will be under tension and will move the arms 16 toward the cylinder 11 and press the roller 15 thereagainst. The pad 27 has secured thereto a plurality of spaced slats or bars 31 which are, connected adjacent their ends by flexible members 32 which are also secured to the rod 28. While various forms of flexible members might be used, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated, the same are shown as small chains which have been found very suitable in practice. ,The vertical members 2, at their rear sides, carry brackets 33 adapted to support a removable of" which is disposed method in connection'with the apparatus.

described, the motor 25 is driven and, in turn, drives the roller 18, which moves the apron 12 in the direction indicated by the arrows. The apron 12, by its contact with the cylinder 11 turns the same, the cylinder being freely revoluble, The gas .burner 9---9 will be lighted and the flap or pad 27 will be typin solution used. It will be noted that pad 2 can be lifted from the cylinder 11 y swinging the arms 29 forwardly. When this is done, the tension of spring 30 will be relaxed and arms 16 will move forwardly, thus relieving the pressure ofroller 15 from the surface of cylinder 11.' The belt tightener 2021 which will be of considerable v supplied" with the 1 solution which will herein be'meferred to as saturated with the glazing or ferrothe lubricant. The cylinder will be revolved until the said lubricantis suitably applied thereto. The photographic prints in Wet saturated condition will be dipped in a solution of the lubricant and placed on the apron 12 between the rollers 13 and let with the the roller-15. As the. printisthus gripped,

or pinched between the roller 15 and apron 12 and the surface of the cylinder 11, the same will'be progressively pressed against the surface of cylinder llwith its emulsion side contacting said surface. As the prints are thus drawn between the apron 12 and the surface of member 11, the rear edge of the print sometimes has a tendency to flip over against the member 11. Such action would be objectionable as the print must be brought progressively'in contact with the surface of cylinder 11 so that it will lie perfectly flat against said surface and contact the same at all points. To prevent this flipping action and premature contact of the print the bar 26 is provided and will insure that the'print cannot contact the cylinderll until it passes theroller 15. The apron 12 moves'the cylinder '11 and travelstwith the surface thereof so that the print is held against the surface'of cylinder 11 from the roller 15. and

until the roller 18*is substantiallyreached.'

\Vhile the print is thus being carried about the cylinder 11, the same is heated and the emulsion and the glazing lubricant I are baked, dried and hardened. By the time most of the prints reach the roller 18, the process is completed and the prints, afterpassing the roller 18, snap off of the cylinder 1 2 and drop into the tray 34. A few of the prints will travel slightly past the roller 18 in contact with the cylin but before traveling far, will also y inder and drop into the tray 34. Itis unnecessary, therefohe, to remove the prints from thecylinder 11. As stated, the Same snap off of the cylinder with a cracking or popping noise much like that made by p0pcorn. popp1ng. 'The surface of member 11 continues to move past roller 18 and is again lubricated by the member 27 and prepared for other prints so that the process is continuous. The member 12. preferably, is made of absorbent material so as to absorb some of the moisture from the print and the 'apro'n is substantially dry when again parses the rollers 13 and 14 and in COXldltlOlL t'ofrecei'vemore prints. As one of the trays 34 becomes filled with prints. it may be removed and another trayplaced in posltion.

'Fromthe above descript on it is seen that applicant'has provided a simple and etlicicnt process I and apparatus for glazing photographic and similar prints. The apparatus has been amply demonstrated in actual practice for a considerable period and found to be very successful witi various kinds of photographic papers. The inventor made numerous tests'with the member 11 nradeof different materials and it'has b'scn found, by

actual. experiment that the nickel plated copper cylinder gives results far superior to any other knpwn material. The exact reason of this is not altogether known, but one factor at least is thought to be that the copper is a very dense and compact material and when coated with nickel-a very smooth, dense compact surface is obta ned with which the emulsion on the prints advantageously co-oper'ates. There may also be some relation between thefspecific material used and'the glazing or ferro-typing solution, although just what this action is is not at present understood. The fact is, however, that the results obtained are very S'aitsfac tory and an unusually high grade of glazed print is produced. The previous squeegee-- ing and other pressing operations always performed in the ferro-typing process involving a heavy pressure are eliminated and the necessary removal of the prints from the. ferrb-typi'ng. surface is also eliminated. As stated, the prints pop and snap from the cylinder in perfectcondition. The cylinder retains its polish and it is unnecessary to continuously polish the cylinder; as it has been necessary to always clean and polish between each use, the ferro typing 'plafesor members heretofore used.

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As abore stated, the process and apparatus have been in actual commercial use for some time and course, be understood that vaand in the form, details, arrangement and proportions of the parts of theapparatus without departing from the scope of applicants lHVGIIiLIOII, which, generally stated,

consists in a device capable of carrying out the objects above stated, such as shown and described and defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A print-glazing apparatus having in combinatinma revoluble rigid member having a smooth polishedperipheral surface and a flexible member adapted to contact and travel with said surface for a portion of its revolution and carry a photographic print with the emulsion side thereof against said surface, said print being carri d b:- twecn said revoluble ible member. v

2. A print-glazing apparatus comprising a r-evolubldcylinder having a smooth polished peripheral surface and a movablc'apron of comparatively soft flexible material (contactmg an appreciable portion ol-said surmember and said flexill face and adapted to move therewith and carry a print around said cylinder with its emulsion side in contact with said peripheral surface of the c linder.

3. A print-g azing apparatus having in combination, a revoluble rigid member having a polished peripheral surface, means for heating said member and surface, and means moving with said surface for pressing a photoprint pressed flat against said surface with its emulsion side contacting the same and progressing said print with said surface for a portionof its revolution.

4. A print-glazing apparatus having in combination, a revoluble rigid member having a polished peripheral surface, means for heating said member and surface, and means for pressing a photoprint flat against said surface with its emulsion side contacting the same and progressing said print with said surface for a portion of its revolution, and means supplying a film of fcrro-typing solution to said surface.

5. In a print-glazing apparatus, :1 revoluble rigid cylinder having a smooth periphery, means for supplying a lubricant to said periphery and an endless belt of comparatively soft absorbent material contacting said cylinder for a portion of its periphery, moving therewith and adapted to hold a photographic print with its emulsion side against said periphery.

6. In a print-glazing apparatus, a revoluble rigid cylinder having a smooth peripheral surface, a flexible endless vapron of comparatively ,soft material traveling partially around said cylinder and moving therewith for a portion of its revolution, and a sheet of absorbent material contacting said cylinder in advance of said apron adapted to apply a film of ferro-typing solution thereto.

7. A print-glazing apparatus having 1n combination, a rigid revoluble member having a polished peripheral surface, means for-heating said member and surface, a flexible apron-of comparatively soft absorbent material contacting said peripheral surface and moving therewith for a portion of its revolution, and a revoluble member contacting said apron and pressing the same against said member at the side of said member which said apron approaches, said last mentioned revoluble member adapted to progressively press a photographic print against said first mentioned revoluble memher, which print is carried between said flexible apron and said polished peripheral surface of said first mentioned revoluble 'member with its emulsionside in contact with said surface.

.8. The structure set forth in claim 7, and means extending across said first mentioned revoluble .member adjacent the surface thereof above said last mentioned revoluble paratively soft and absorbent fabric material contacting a material portion of said surface and moving in contact therewith,

a roller pressing said apron against said cylinder, and a sheet of absorbent material contacting said surface of said cylinder in advance of said roller for applying a film of ferro-typing solution thereto.

10. In a print-glazing machine, a rigid member having a smooth polished peripheral surface movable in a curved path, means for holding a photoprint against said surface and moving with said surface and photoprint with the emulsion side of said print against said surface, and means for heating said print while against said surface.

11. In a print-glazing machine. a rigid revoluble member having a polished surface, said member comprising a copper base plated with nickel.

12. A print-glazing machine having in combination, a continuously moving rigid smooth surface, means for continuously applying a film of lubricant to said surface, continuously moving means for pressing a photoprint against said surface with its emulsion side contacting said surface, and

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means for heating said surface to bake, dry

and harden said print.

13. A print-glazing machine having in combination, a frame, a rigid cylinder revolubly mounted'therein having a smooth peripheral surface, an endless apron traveL ing about rollers having axes substantially parallel to the axis of said cylinder, said apron contacting said cylinder for a material portion of its periphery and extending forwardly from said cylinder in a sub stantially horizontal plane, a frame extending transversely of said cylinder in advance of the horizontal portion of said a ron and carrying a sheet 'cf absorbent fa ric material adapted to rest upon and conform to the shape of said peripheral surface and adapted to apply a film of ferro-typing solution thereto.

' 14. In a print-glazing machine, a nickel plated copper member having a polished surface movable in a curved path, and means for holding a photoprint against said surface, and moving the same therewith.

15. The process of glazing photographic or similar prints which comprises lubricatmg a continuously moving smooth rigid "surface,

pressing the print against said lubricated surface with its emulsion side contacting said surface, movlng sa d prints ing a smooth polished surface of a revoluble rigid cylinder, pressing said printsagainst said surface with their emulsion sides thereagainst, by means of a relatively soft absorbent member, progressing said prints and member with said surface and simultaneous- 1y heating said prints to bake, dry and harden the same. i

17. The process of glazing photographic or similar prints which consists iii-pressing the prints a ainst the moving smoot-h surface of a nic el-platedfcopper member with the emulsion side of the prints against said surface, by means of a relatively soft absol-bent sheet of material, progressing said surface and sheet with the prints thereagainst and simultaneously heating said surface to bake, dry and harden said prints.

18; The process of glazing photographic or similar prints comprising dipping the wet prints in a glazing solution, applying a film of ferro-typing solution to a rigid smooth moving surface, pressing said prints against said surface with their emulsion sides. incontact therewith and advancing said prints with said surface and holding taneously heating said surface and the same the'reagainst with a comparatively soft absorbentbacking member, and simulprints to dry, bake and harden said prints. 1 w i 19. The-process of glazing a photographic or similar print compris1ng,rdipping the washed and wet print 1n a glazing lubricant, applying a film of ferro-typing l' hid to the smooth surface of a moving rigid member,

\ bringing the emulsion sidev of said print progressively' into contact -with said surface,

' holding said print pressedagainst said surface and moving the same therewith and simultancouslyheating said surface andprint "to dry. bake .and harden said print.

20. The "process of glazing photographic or simllar prints which consists 1n immersing said prints in a glazing solution, then,

pressing the prints against the smooth sur-- face of a nickel-platedcopper member and holding the same thereagainst and heating said member and surface.

- 21. The process of glazing photographic or similar prints which consists in wetting the smooth surface of a nickel-plated copper member with a glazing or ferro-typing solution, pressing a.-, -photographic print thereagainst with itsven ulsion side oontact'-.

ing said surface holding-said print against said surface and heating; said surface to dry, bake and'harden said print.

22. The processof glazing photographic prints which consists in immersing the wet said prints against the heated smooth ri heral surface of. a rigid moving mem r pith their-emulsion side contacting said surrace.

a nickel-plat copper member having a smooth polished sur ace.

24. In a print-glazing machine, a member having a continuously moving ri 'd smooth polished surface and means mova le 1n com (I tact with said surface for pressing a photoprint against said surface with its emulsion side contacting said surface and means for heatin said surface to bake, dry and harden said print.

25. In "a print-glazing machine, a member having a continuously moving rigid smooth 1 polished surface, a yielding means, movable with said surface for pressing a photoprint against said surface with its emulsion side contacting said surface, and means for heating said surface to bake, dry and harden said prlnt.

26. A print glazing apparatus comprising ;a rigid member having a smooth polished surface, means for pressing a photographic print against said surface with its emulsion side contacting the same, and means adjacent said means for preventing contact of said print with said surface before pressed 5 thereagainstby said first mentioned means.

27. A print glazing apparatus comprising a rigid member having a smooth polished surface, a rotatable memb'er'for pressing a photographic print against said surface with its emulsion side contacting the same, and means for preventlng contact of sand rint with. said surface before being pressed t erepreventing premature contact of'said print with said surface.

29. A print glazing apparatus having in combination, a revoluble rigid member having a smooth polishedperiphery, a movable fabric member adaptedto contact'said pe- 11 riphery and. press aphotographic print against the same, with the emulsion side of said print engaging said member.

. 30. A print glazingapparatus having in combination, a rigid movable member hav- 1 ing a smooth polished surface, means for applying a film of ferro-typing solution to said surface, means for pressing a photo print against said surface with its emulsion side engaging said 'surface, and means for applying heat to said member whilein 1no tion with said print thereon.

31. The process of glazing photographic prints which consists in progressing a smooth prints in a glazing solution, then pressing polished surface of a movable member, moisF 23. A printlazingapparatus comprising 70 lazing apparatus comprisin '1o5 said surface with its emulsion side contact-' ing said surface, pressing said print against said surface during the progression thereof, and heating said surface to dry, bake, harden and glaze said print.

' 32. A print glazing apparatus having in combinatlon, a moving member havin a smooth polished surface, means for applying a ferro-typing solution to said surface, means for pressing a photographic print against said surface, and means for heating said member and surface. a

33. The process of glazing photographic prints which consists in immersing th prints in a glazing solution, placing said prints on the smooth polished surface of a moving member with its emulsion side contacting said surface, pressing said prints against said surface, movin said member and surface with the prints 518113011 and applying heat to said member to bake, dry,

harden and glaze said rints.

34. The process of g azin photographic prints which consists in applying a film of glazing or ferrotyping solution to the smooth polished moving surface of a mov able member, placing a wet photoprint on said surface with its emulsion side contacting said surface, pressing said print against said surface and applying heat to said memher while moving to dry, bake, harden and glaze said print.

35. The process of glazing photographic prints which consists in lmmersing the prints in a glazing solution, supporting the prints on a smooth polished metal surface of a member with its emulsion side contact ing said surface, pressing said prints against said surface and progressing said surface and member, and simultaneously applying heat thereto to bake, dry, harden and glaze 37. A print glazing apparatus having in.

combination, a moving member having a combination, a moving smooth surface and a movable fabric meIn-V rigid smooth surface movable with said member, means for applying a ferro-typing liquid to said surface, and an endless member for holding a photoprint against said surface with its emulsion side contacting said surface.

40. A print-glazing apparatus comprising a'movable nickelplated metal member having a surface movable therewith, means for applying a lubricant to said surface, and means for pressing a photo-print against said surface with its emulsion side contacting said surface.

41. A print-glazing apparatus comprising a movable nickel-plated metal member having a surface movable therewith, and means for holding a emulsion face at against said surface.

42. A print-glazing apparatus having in member having JAMES W. PASSMAN.

aflix my signature.

hoto-print with its whole 

